The electoral reform consultation panel (ERCP) invites members of the public, and organisations including political parties or prospective independent candidates, to make written submissions for its consideration on proposals for an electoral system for the National Assembly and provincial legislatures. The closing date for written submissions is 31 October 2024 – previously the deadline was 30 September 2024 but it has now been extended.
Submissions made must also address why, how, and whether the current South African electoral system should be reformed, changed, or even replaced.
The ERCP’s chairperson Adv Richard Sizani said: “The invitation for submissions is made as part of the panel’s duty to undertake a public participation process regarding the issues falling within its functions.”
Section 23 of the Electoral Amendment Act, which was promulgated in June 2023, provides for the establishment of the ERCP. The mandate of the panel is “to independently investigate, consult on, report on and make recommendations in respect of potential reforms of the electoral system for the election of the National Assembly and the election of the provincial legislatures, in respect of the elections to be held after the 2024 elections”.
In May 2024 the Home Affairs portfolio committee recommended a list of nine nominees to the National Assembly (NA), following which the NA approved the appointment of the following members of the ERCP:
- Adv Richard Sizani (chairperson)
- Adv Pansy Tlakula
- Ms Mmatsie Mooki
- Ms Tomsie Dlamini
- Dr Michael Sutcliffe
- Mr Sy Mamabolo
- Mr Michael Hendrickse
- Mr Norman du Plessis
- Dr Albertus Schoeman
The panel has a diverse composition and includes academics, election administrators, and public service experts. It was appointed earlier this year in May and must conclude its mandate within a year of the conclusion of the 2024 general elections. In essence, the panel’s report, which must bear recommendations on possible electoral systems, is due at the end of May 2025.
The panel has adopted an initial six guiding principles for evaluating proposed electoral systems for South Africa. These principles draw on the founding values set out in section 1 of the Constitution to establish a multi-party system of democratic government based on accountability, responsiveness and openness to uphold values of human dignity, non-racialism, non-sexism, and the achievement of equality. The six guiding principles are inclusivity, fairness, accountability, simplicity, electoral manageability, and transparency.
Keeping in mind the closing date of 31 October 2024, the panel advises, there are three methods for tendering submissions:
- Delivered by hand to House 4, Ministry of Home Affairs, 909 Arcadia Street, Hatfield.
- Mailed to the electoral reform consultation panel at Private Bag X114, Pretoria, 0001.
- E-mailed to ERCP@dha.gov.za.
Direct any inquiries to Adv Richard K Sizani, chairperson of the electoral reform consultation panel, cellphone no. 082 904 9907.
